13 days Annapurna Circuit Trek guide-difficulty, cost & dates

The Basics
Questions: What is trekking?
Ans: Trekking is an adventure! For the uninitiated, this active pursuit involves lengthy, multi-day walks and climbs on village and park trails. The terrain is usually fairly steep, and we will likely encounter snow at higher altitudes (those above 5,500m/18,000ft).
Questions: Is trekking for me?
Ans: We like to think trekking is for everyone who is physically fit, patient, and loves the outdoors.
Questions: Why is a guide necessarily? I've trekked/hiked/camped before - can't I guide myself?
Ans: You'll be traveling through wilderness, remote countryside, and high elevations. Trekking with a guide is not only safer but it will make for a more enjoyable trek. Our guides are experts in Himalayan treks and have on average over 10 years trekking experience. While the trails in the Everest and Annapurna Regions are generally well defined in other parts of the Himalayas they can be confusing and very few locals speak English. No matter how confident you feel in your skills or knowledge, it is almost certain that we can help enhance your experience.
Who can go?
Questions:Are there any age limits for Himalayan trekking?
Ans: We have had families with kids as young as 7 years do the Everest Base Camp Trek and our eldest trekkers have been in their late 70s. There’s no limit on our adventures, as long as participants are healthy and willing! We generally suggest that families schedule a few extra days for the trek.
Questions: How difficult is trekking?
Ans: It depends on the specific trek, and, to some extent, on the preferences of those trekking. We offer all sorts of treks, ranging from easy to difficult.
Questions: Is previous trekking experience really necessary?
Ans: In theory, no. Anyone with robust cardiovascular capability and good stamina should be able to cope with higher elevations and lower oxygen density. Trekking or hiking experience anywhere in the world is strongly recommended for maximum enjoyment of your Himalayan adventure, however.
Preparation for trekking in Nepal
Questions: What should I pack for my trip?
Ans: We have a complete downloadable packing list or if you want more details visit our blog post on packing for Everest Base Camp.
Questions: What type of insurance should I have? Where can I obtain a policy?
Ans: Travel insurance is mandatory and obtaining for the days you are trekking is your responsibility. We suggest World Nomads as it covers Helicopter and medical evacuation up to 6000m. Some standard policies only cover up to 4000 meters for evacuation so please confirm with your insurance company if you purchase it from another company. If you get to Nepal and don't have insurance already we can help you purchase it for a reasonable price before you start the trek.
Questions: What's the best time of year to book a trek in Nepal?
Ans: The best times for trekking the Himalayas are February to May, and then September to December. Unless you are trekking in rain shadow areas such as the Upper Mustang, trekking during monsoon season is going to be a very wet event. Winter isn’t the optimal trekking season either, as very cold temperatures and heavy snowfall may impede crossings of high passes (treks that maintain lower elevations are accessible year-round).
Questions: Are any permits required for trekking?
Ans: Again, it depends on your specific trek. Some trekking areas require a special permit for trekking, while as others require only permits to enter conservation or national parks. Most require a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card. We handle all permits for you, so you have one less thing to worry about!
About the Trekking
Questions:  How long do treks last?
Ans: Most of our Himalayan treks range from two to four weeks.
Questions:  How long do we spend walking each day?
Trekkers generally walk four to six hours a day. That's between five and fifteen kilometers depending on trail conditions and the state of the weather.
ROOM AND BOARD
Questions:  What kinds of accommodations will we utilize?
Ans: Unless you signed up for a camping trip specifically, most treks include lodge or guest house accommodation. A small minority of trekking areas may not have lodges available, and accommodation in these places will involve sleeping in tents.
Questions:  What is tea house trekking?
Ans: Tea house trekking is a type of accommodation unique to mountain treks, in which lodging and meals are set up at local teahouses or lodges on a full-board basis.
Questions:  What is camping trekking?
Ans: Camping trekking involves sleeping in tents. We provide you with full board on these treks, with meals being prepared by professional trekking cooks in a mobile camp equipped with a kitchen and adequate support staff.
Questions:  Where will our drinking water come from?
Bottled water is available everywhere on established trekking routes, and most villages on the way will have locally-purified water as well. The tea houses or camping crew will supply boiled water for drinking.
Questions:  Where do we eat our meals?
Ans: The most frequently-traveled Himalayan circuits feature lodges and guesthouses. Continental menus are generally available, along with soups and dishes of noodles or rice. Other routes will include more limited choices. On the most remote routes, only traditional dal bhat, curry, or instant noodle soups will be available.
Health and Safety
Questions:  What physical criteria will ensure I'm fit enough to trek?
Ans: Good overall fitness, flexibility, and healthy will ensure you trek safely and comfortably. Those with acute or chronic health conditions impacting their stamina, range of motion, coordination, or balance may have difficulty completing the trek. If you are in doubt about your own physical readiness, consult a physician well in advance of booking your trip! General hiking experience and comfort with the idea of multi-day hiking will also ensure you are 100% ready to trek!
Questions:  How will we deal with altitude acclimation?
Ans: At higher altitudes - the kind we experience frequently on our treks- your cardiac and pulmonary systems are affected by lower oxygen density. Our bodies must adjust to the mountain elevation gradually, or we can become ill. Physical symptoms can range from general breathing difficulties all the way to acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness, soroche, or "the bends"). To avoid altitude-related maladies, we pace our treks appropriately and incorporate acclimatization days throughout the itinerary. There are points throughout many treks during which trekkers may choose to either tackle additional hikes/day trips or rest and relax as their bodies demand.
Questions:  What do I need to know about sun protection?
Ans: It may seem counter-intuitive, but your skin is in more danger of sun damage on the mountains than while at the beach! The sun’s intensity increases dramatically as we rise in altitude, and fresh snow reflects exponentially more UV rays than does the sand. You will need to protect your skin with clothing and sunblock. A sunblock specifically for mountain conditions is recommended. If you wear prescription eyeglasses its recommend that you get your prescription fitted to sunglasses.
Questions:  What happens if I get sick or injured while trekking?
Ans: We take all possible precautions to proactively ensure the safety and wellness of our trekkers, but rest assured that our guides are trained and experienced in dealing with emergencies. Each guide is trained in first aid. In the case of altitude sickness, you will immediately be taken to a lower altitude. If necessary, your guide will utilize your travel insurance information to call a rescue helicopter, and you will be flown to Kathmandu or Pokhara for medical attention.
Questions:  Are solo female travelers safe on Himalayan treks?
Ans: We ensure the travel safety of all our trekking guests, both male and female. Nepal, on the whole, is both very safe and welcoming of foreign visitors. We have longstanding, strong relationships with the lodges we frequent, and know them to be safe and reliable. In addition our guides are consistently mindful of all guests' whereabouts while trekking. We travel in small groups, all the better to easily maintain continual contact.
Practical Matter
Questions:  What happens if the flight from Lukla or Kathmandu is delayed?
Ans: The flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are generally reliable but if the weather is not good they can be canceled for the entire day. Our 14 day package includes one buffer day in case of delays but we suggest that you schedule a couple of extra additional days in case of delays at the end of your trek. If your flight is delayed in Kathmandu we will rebook your flight for the next day. We may also be able to provide an option for a privately chartered helicopter. If you choose to take the helicopter this can cost an additional $150 to $500 or more depending on availability and group size. Extra hotel nights ($30) and meals in Kathmandu are not included when flights are delayed although we will make arrangements for you. If your flight is delayed in Lukla we will provide the accommodation and meals in the cost.
Questions:  What should I pack?
Ans: Your specific trek and the time of year during which you depart will greatly impact your packing list. A recommended outline of clothing and equipment is listed with each trek. In general, a down jacket, a warm fleece jacket, thermal underwear, trekking pants and shorts, and sturdy boots are recommended to wear, and a thermal sleeping bag, backpack, and camera are recommended for your kit. If you take any medication, this should obviously be a packing priority. Utilize common sense - you don't want to end up short-handed on the mountain, but overpacking is undesirable. It's worth noting that just about anything you need in the way of trekking clothing and/or equipment can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu when you first arrive.
Questions:  What sort of footwear is recommended?
Ans: Comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes or boots are a must. Ideally your footwear will have Gore-Tex or similar lining, along with thick soles. This will ensure that your feet stay warm and dry, and that you are comfortable walking on rocky paths. Wool socks are recommended instead of cotton, and these too should be thick and warm.
Questions:  How much can a porter carry?
Ans: Porters' ability to carry baggage depends to some extent on the trekking route and altitude in question, but the average trekking porter carries between 15 and 25kg. A camping porter carries up to 40kg. One porter is typically assigned per every two travelers.
Questions:  Should I tip my guide? How about my porter?
Ans: While not mandatory, tipping is customary and always appreciated in Nepal and on our treks. Your guides and porters will tremendously appreciate a small gratuity at the end of your trek, as these little extras go a long way towards helping their families. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the team's hard work and devoted attention to your happiness.
Questions:  How much money should I bring along?
Ans: Our treks are all-inclusive. We cover accommodation, food, park fees, permits, and many other costs, as a means of making your adventure as stress-free and convenient as possible.. Travelers generally bring a small amount of pocket money to cover bottled water, snacks, or tea beyond your included meals, souvenirs, tips, or donations to monasteries along the route (if you are inclined to give one). Trekkers find that around $20 a day is reasonable for these extras.
Questions:  What communication options exist while trekking?
Ans: It varies. Mobile coverage is list expanding around the world rapidly, and the Himalayas are no different… did you know that 3G coverage is available all over Mount Everest? There is no guarantee of uninterrupted coverage, however. Most trekking routes feature local VHF phones, but on the more remote trails, a satellite phone is the only option.
Questions: Do you have any extra charges for solo travelers?
Ans: We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request. If you are going solo and not joining one of our group treks you will be charged an extra $10 a day for a porter.
Questions: Can I get a refund if I don't finish the trek?
Ans: Its sometimes the case that trekkers finish ahead of schedule or they end up stopping the trek early for health or personal reasons. If this is the case please understand that we can not offer any refunds for unused days on the trek. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.
Questions: What is your cancellation policy? How about other terms and conditions?
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers up to 6000m. We usually suggest World Nomads which costs around $125. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
Extra Cost
Our trekking packages are all inclusive but we suggest that you budget between $300 and $400 for extra expenditures on your trip. These include:
Nepal entry visa ($40 USD)
Sleeping Bag Rental $12 and Down Jacket $12 if needed.
All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Kathmandu.
We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on a at least $80 (more will be appreciated).
We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
Flight Delay in Lukla/Kathmandu
The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla where the trek starts is generally reliable but if the weather is bad all flights will be canceled for the day. In the event the flight is cancelled we will attempt to get you on a chartered helicopter but you are responsible for the extra costs in this event which can range from $150 to $500 or more depending on the number of people on the flight. 
We schedule one extra day into the trek already as a buffer day in case of delays but as flights can at times be delayed for several days we suggest you add a couple of extra days at the end of your trip in case of any delays. Extra days should always be scheduled at the end of the trip and not the start.
Solo Travelers
We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request. If you are a solo travelers and planning and not joining one of our group treks you will be charged an extra $15 a day for a porter.
Cancellation Policy
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $150 cancellation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Kathmandu and Lukla your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.
Its sometimes the case that trekkers finish ahead of schedule or they end up stopping a trek early for health or personal reasons. If this is the case please understand that we can not offer any refunds for unused days on the trek. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.
Payments
We require a deposit on all treks before you arrive and the remaining balance will be paid at Mission Eco Trek office in Kathmandu at the time of your arrival. For Bank Transfers, your invoice confirmation will be sent once we verify that we received the funds. We suggest you pay with a major currency in Nepal. If you pay with a credit card in Nepal we are required to charge a fee of 13% to cover local taxes and transaction fees. All treks are run and operated by Mission Eco Trek Pvt. Ltd a local Nepal based company with Reg. No: 58804/065/066.
Currency
All trip costs are shown in USD. If you pay online your credit card company will determine the actual exchange rate. If you are paying a remaining balance in local currency we will calculate the amount based on current exchange rates as per the website - xe.com.
Passport and Visas in Nepal
The following are applicable visa fees upon entering Nepal. Ensure that you carry the funds with you before entering the country. A blank passport page and a passport size photo is also required for the application at time of entry. We suggest you bring the photo with you although they can be obtained on arrival for a small fee.
US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days
US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 30 days
US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days
If you have more questions don't hesitate to ask us or you can reference the official publication from the Nepal Visa Office.
Questions: Have a problem?
Ans: We want to help. If you are facing any difficulties either before you arrive or once you are on your trek please let us know as soon as possible so we can provide a solution. Our goal is to make sure you have the best trip possible and leave the headaches at home!